Abstract

On 1 July 2018, was issued a new human resources law for the Government of Dubai, Dubai Law No 8/2018 (the HR Law), aims to ensure a strong work-life balance and stability for all Dubai government employees as well as render a supportive environment that shall be able to assist employees to realise their creative potential

Analysis

Key Changes

-The newly approved HR Law that focusses on the areas of Emiratisation, scholarship, learning and development, is expected to be implemented by 2019. It shall provide the following benefits to the Dubai government employees:

-The option to work remotely

-The opportunity to apply internally for any vacant positions and be transferred without the need to meet the promotion condition when the employee is deserving

-The annual leave shall increase from 22 to 25 days for employees belonging to the grades 8 to 11 while employees of grade 7 or below shall receive 18 days, instead of 15 days

-A period of 5 days shall be granted as mourning leave on the occasion of the death of a relative of the second degree

-A 5 day paid leave shall be granted to prepare for research, projects and graduation thesis

-A right to receive overtime allowance subject to the written approval of the required line manager as against the previous mandatory requirement of 40 hours per week, which stands abolished

-Special privileges shall be provided to people with determination, and they will be eligible for shorter working hours if needed, subject to medical approval

-The new HR Law comprises of 141 clauses instead of the previous 231, and features new aspects in specific areas of Emiratisation, scholarship, learning and development, in order to attract the best talent, that can support to achieve the government’s objectives.

The newly approved HR Law is expected to provide Dubai government employees the option to work remotely, as well as an opportunity to apply internally for any vacant positions and be transferred without the need to meet the promotion condition when the employee is deserving.

The annual leave shall increase from 22 to 25 days for employees belonging to the grades 8 to 11 while employees of grade 7 or below shall receive 18 days, instead of 15 days. A period of 5 days shall be granted as mourning leave on the occasion of a death of a relative of the second degree. To promote educational benefits under the HR law, a 5 day paid leave shall be granted to prepare for research, projects and graduation thesis.

Certain amendments have been made with regard to overtime and annual travel allowance. The new law provides for a right to receive overtime allowance subject to the written approval of the required line manager as against the previous mandatory requirement of 40 hours per week, which stands abolished.

Further, special privileges shall be provided to people with determination, and they will be eligible for shorter working hours if needed, subject to medical approval.

The HR Law is more flexible, allowing government entities to issue regulations and decisions that suit the nature of their operations. Key details will be addressed by decisions in the areas of training, development, performance management systems, as well as employee conduct, grievances and complaints.

The Director General of the Dubai Government HR department stated that the new HR Law is currently being prepared, to enable government entities to fully implement the law by 2019.

The Ruler of Dubai confirmed that the HR Law stands as a true reflection of the vision of ensuring a better future for employees and the happiness of their families.

Author

Shiraz Sethi, Managing Partner and Head of Employment at DWF (Dubai, UAE)